Mysuru (Karnataka) (PTI): A gang of armed robbers allegedly assaulted two employees of a gas station and looted Rs 15,300 from its office in this district, police said on Saturday.

The incident occurred on the night of February 12 night at Swamy Service fuel station in Karimuddanahalli village in the Hunsur taluk of Mysuru district, they said.

The assault was captured on the petrol bunk’s CCTV cameras, with the footage showing the accused engaging in a physical scuffle with the cashier.

The video has since surfaced online and is being widely shared across social media platforms.

According to the FIR, the cashier, identified as Ajay Kumar, who has been working for the past four years at the fuel station alleged that at around 9:49 pm on February 12, a man in his 20's first came to the fuel station on the pretext of filling a water bottle. He returned shortly thereafter and enquired about diesel.

Kumar informed him that the pumps had been shut for the night, but told him that pre-filled five-litre diesel cans were available. The man allegedly took a photograph of the bunk’s Paytm scanner, claiming that his friends would transfer the money and that he would return shortly to collect the fuel, the complaint stated.

"At about 10:22 pm, the same person allegedly arrived along with four others in a car and pretended to seek diesel. Around 10:33 pm, all five allegedly barged into the office armed with a dagger and a machete, assaulted the cashier and another staff member, Dinesh, and demanded cash," the FIR read.

During the scuffle, one of the accused allegedly forcefully snatched Rs 15,300 from the cashier’s pocket. The complainant managed to escape and raised an alarm, following which the accused fled in the car, leaving behind a machete in the office in their hurry, the FIR further stated.

The cashier sustained injuries to his left shoulder and back, while Dinesh suffered injuries to his forehead and right ear. Later, both went to a nearby hospital, the FIR stated.

Police have registered a case under section 310 (2) (dacoity) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and launched a search to nab the accused.

Further investigation is underway, they said.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the proposed VB-G Ram G scheme, stating that the MNREGA programme, which has been a lifeline for rural India for nearly two decades, appears to be facing an uncertain future.

Speaking to media, Kharge said that as March 31 draws to a close, there is no clarity on the rollout of the new scheme from April 1. He pointed out that the central government has not yet issued the necessary guidelines for implementing the scheme for rural workers and villages.

He criticised the Centre for its lack of preparedness, stating that there is no clarity on fund allocation, no final parameters for classifying gram panchayats, and key processes such as social audits have not been defined.

Kharge said the situation comes at a critical time, as summer marks a peak period for rural employment demand, when many people depend heavily on wage employment for their livelihood.

He added that reports have emerged of delays in approvals and families not receiving work despite demand.

He further alleged that the Centre’s move to shift from a statutory employment guarantee to a rule-based allocation system is already showing negative consequences.

Kharge also raised concerns over provisions such as a mandatory 60-day halt during agricultural seasons, which he said would further limit employment opportunities for rural workers.

The BJP-led central government had claimed that the new scheme would transform rural India, but in reality it is turning out to be detrimental to people’s livelihoods, he said.

“The crisis in rural India due to the stalling of MNREGA is beginning to unfold. Given the Centre’s past record in handling such situations, there is growing concern over the impact on rural livelihoods,” Kharge said.